WEIGHT ELEMENT FOR A GOLF CLUB - Wood-type golf club heads (e.g., drivers, fairway woods, wood-type hybrid clubs, or the like) include: (a) a ball striking face; (b) a club head body engaged or integrally formed with the ball striking face, wherein the club head body includes a crown portion, the crown portion including a fixed portion proximal to the ball striking face, and a removable weight portion, which is configured to be coupled with the fixed portion on a side of the crown portion away from the ball striking face. The club head body may further include an interior portion with a frame member defined therein. The crown weight may further include a weight member attached to the frame member, the weight member including at least one receptacle defined therein. The removable weight portion may further include at least one weight insert supported within the weight member in the at least one receptacle.

2011-02-17

20110039635

PUTTER - An improved golf putter that consistently imparts topspin to a golf ball that is struck therewith for increasing the tendency of the ball to leave the putter in a predictable manner along an intended path and at an intended rate of speed. Unlike conventional, flat-faced putters, the inventive putter has a forward-projecting, rounded striking edge for delivering an upwardly-directed strike to a golf ball regardless of whether the golfer strikes the ball early or late during his or her putting stroke. Additionally, the round striking edge of the putter reduces the amount surface-to-surface contact between the putter and a golf ball relative to traditional putters, thereby mitigating the undesirable effects of flawed, laterally off-center putting strokes that would otherwise cause a struck ball to travel offline immediately after impact.

2011-02-17

20110039636

SELECTIVELY LIGHTENED WOOD-TYPE GOLF CLUB HEAD - A wood type golf club head having a plurality of interior recesses is disclosed herein. The plurality of interior recesses are preferably formed in a body of the golf club head and remove mass from the body to be used elsewhere on the golf club head to increase the inertial properties of the golf club head.

Golf ball - The present invention is directed to a golf ball having multiple indicia for aiding a golfer in positioning the golf ball with the intended ball path. In one embodiment, the golf ball has at least three distinct primary indicia aligned on the golf ball within a quarter of the circumference of the golf ball. The primary indicia includes a first primary indicia which is spaced a first distance from a second primary indicia, and a third primary indicia which is spaced a second distance from the second primary indicia. In an embodiment, the two distances are different. In another embodiment the distances are the same. Other versions have supplemental indicia positioned between the primary indicia and/or can be positioned proximate the first and/or third primary indicia. The supplemental indicia are preferably lighter in color intensity than the primary indicia so that the primary indicia is more readily visible to a golfer when the golfer is ready to putt.

2011-02-17

20110039639

Golf device with marker - A golf device having a repair function and which is adapted to hold golf tees and a marker is provided. The device is a solid structure with annular channels that extend throughout the entire length of the device for insertion of golf tees. The structure facilitates its manufacture as the golf device and can be formed from a single, solid block of material. The annular channels are adapted to position the golf tees so that the ends of the golf tees can be used for scraping, as part of the turf or divot repair function. In one embodiment, the one-piece body is a metal, for example, brass, and the means for which a ball marker can be attached is via a magnet. The magnet can be located within the structure, attached to the surface of the structure, or recessed within the structure.

2011-02-17

20110039640

Batting training apparatus - A batting training system utilizes an adjustable belt which is worn around the waist of a batter. One end of a tether line is connected to the belt and the other end to a hook which is configured to be attached to a fixed structure such as a fence. Releasable connectors which use Velcro® or its equivalent, are located between the ends of the tether. With the belt around the batter's waist and the tether extended from the belt to the fixed structure, the batter takes his stance, awaiting the pitched ball. If the batter takes a proper swing, i.e. he properly shifts his weight, the tether will remain attached between the batter and the fixed structure. If the batter improperly moves his body forward before swinging or shifts his weight forward during the swing, the connectors will detach, allowing the tether to fall to the ground. This provides immediate feedback to the batter, who can then reattach the connectors and continue to practice swinging correctly.

2011-02-17

20110039641

RACQUET HAVING ARTICULATING GROMMET ASSEMBLIES - A sports racquet including a frame, at least one grommet assembly. The frame includes a head portion coupled to a handle portion. The head portion includes a hoop having inner and outer peripheral walls. At least a first set of concave recesses and channels are formed into the outer peripheral wall. The hoop includes first, second and third groups of string openings. The second and third groups of string openings are aligned with the first set of concave recesses. The second group of string openings extends through the outer peripheral wall at the first set of concave recesses. The grommet assembly engages the outer peripheral wall. The grommet assembly includes at least three pivotable elements interconnected by torque transmitting arms, each pivotable element including a string passage. The pivotable elements and the torque transmitting arms are pivotable about an axis parallel to a string bed plane.

INCREMENTAL VARIABLE TRANSMISSION - An incrementally variable transmission machine with an input drive and an output drive which are linked by a drive chain, and which includes an oscillating cam arrangement which, at each of two limiting positions, can act on an actuating mechanism to vary the speed of the output drive by an increment.

2011-02-17

20110039646

Hydraulic system for actuating at least two valves - A hydraulic system for actuating at least two valves, particularly for actuating a conical-pulley continuously variable transmission of a motor vehicle having a continuously variable transmission ratio (CVT), and with a control valve that controls at least two control valves by controlling total control pressure. Between the control valve and a first valve of at least two valves a cutoff valve is connected, through which the total control pressure provided above a switching threshold can be reduced to minimum control pressure acting at least on the first valve or to zero by means of the control valve.

DEFLECTED BEARING SHIELD AS A BEARING SEAL FOR A PULLEY ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY - Disclosed is a pulley assembly including a pulley having an axis of rotation a pulley shell, and a bearing; a shaft having a pulley-receiving end that receives the pulley; and a first bearing shield disposed at the pulley-receiving end of the shaft. The pulley shell includes an annular wall that defines an opening for housing the bearing. The bearing is housed therein and has an inner race, outer race, and a rolling element. The first bearing shield includes a deflected sealing member biases against at least one of the outer race of the bearing and the pulley shell as a first contact seal to protect the bearing from contaminants.

2011-02-17

20110039649

DRIVE DEVICE - A drive device includes: an input shaft connected to an engine; a first motor-generator; a second motor-generator; a planetary gear unit including three rotating elements; an output gear connected to the planetary gear unit; an output shaft that transmits rotation of the output gear to a driving wheel; and a control device that controls at least one of the first and second motor-generator. The output gear, the planetary gear unit, and the first motor-generator are coaxial with the input shaft. The planetary gear unit is provided radially inside the first motor-generator and is provided at the same position as the first motor-generator in the axial direction. The second motor-generator is provided on an axis different from the input shaft and the output shaft axes. The control device is provided on the side of the output gear, the planetary gear unit, and the first motor-generator that is opposite the input shaft.

2011-02-17

20110039650

TRANSMISSION DEVICE COMPRISING AT LEAST TWO OUTPUT SHAFTS - A transmission device with at least two output shafts and at least two multi-shaft planetary gearsets that are actively connected with one another. A shaft of a planetary gearset can be actively connected with an output shaft. In addition, a shifting mechanism, located between the two output shafts, shifts between a first power path or a second power path. In one of the planetary gearsets, torque from an electric machine can be transmitted along either the first or the second power path. In the first power path, torque from the electric machine is transmitted to the two output shafts in equal parts and with the same sign. In the second power path, torque is transmitted to the two output shafts in equal parts but with opposite signs. The planetary gearset, in the area of which the torque from the electric machine can be transmitted, is a simple negative planetary gearset.

2011-02-17

20110039651

Lubricating Device for a Variable Speed Transmission - The invention relates to a lubricating device for a variable speed transmission with an integrated interaxle differential for motor vehicles, on the shaft of the transmission there being at least one synchronizer clutch for shifting one or two lower (slower) gear ratios and the interaxle differential, and the synchronizer clutch and the interaxle differential being supplied with lubricating oil by way of a central longitudinal channel in the shaft and by way of radial channels and/or radial gaps branching off from it. For improved adaptation of the lubricating oil supply in defined driving states of the motor vehicle, there are means which are integrated into the longitudinal channel and which change the lubricating oil supply to the synchronizer clutch and the interaxle differential as a function of the driving speed.

2011-02-17

20110039652

AWD Vehicle with Active Disconnect Coupling Having Multi-stage Ball Ramp - A vehicle drive train includes a first power disconnection device and a first driveline for transferring torque to a first set of wheels. A second driveline for transferring torque to a second set of wheels includes a differential gearset having an output coupled to a second power disconnection device. A hypoid gearset is positioned within the second driveline in a power path between the first and second power disconnection devices. The second power disconnection device includes a clutch having a first set of clutch plates fixed for rotation with the differential gearset output. The clutch further includes a second set of clutch plates fixed for rotation with a shaft adapted to transfer torque to one of the wheels of the second set of wheels. A valve limits a flow of coolant to the clutch when the second power disconnection device operates in a disconnected mode.

2011-02-17

20110039653

Differential System - A power take-off support portion, including a shaft hole and an outer side surface formed around the shaft hole, is formed on a transaxle housing. The outer side surface of the power take-off support portion is shaped to fit a power take-off casing supporting a power take-off shaft in a first direction. A power take-off casing includes a power take-off main casing member and a base casing member joined to each other. The base casing member is formed with an inner side surface and an outer side surface. The inner side surface and the outer side surface of the base casing member are shaped so that the power take-off shaft supported by the power take-off main casing member is oriented in a second direction different from the first direction when the inner side surface of the base casing member is fitted to the outer side surface of the power take-off support portion, and the outer side surface of the base casing member is fitted to the inner side surface of the power take-off main casing member.

METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - A motor vehicle having a drive train and a motor unit which can be coupled to the drive train, and at least one electric machine. A freewheel mode is activated to increase the energy efficiency so that the motor vehicle is neither powered nor decelerated by the motor unit, thus allowing the wheels of the motor vehicle to essentially roll freely. In the freewheel mode, the electric machine is operated as a motor which introduces a freewheel mode pull torque to the drive train.

2011-02-17

20110039657

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL - Systems and methods are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively shut-down during engine idle-stop conditions, the system further including a hydraulic circuit comprising a hydraulically actuated transmission component, an accumulator, and an auxiliary transmission fluid pump. One example method comprises, during a first idle-stop engine shut-down condition, where the accumulator pressure is above a threshold, delivering pressurized transmission fluid to the hydraulic circuit from the accumulator, while disabling the auxiliary pump. The method further comprises, during a second idle-stop engine shut-down condition, where the accumulator pressure is below the threshold, operating the auxiliary pump and delivering at least some pressurized transmission fluid to the hydraulic circuit from the operating pump without travelling through the accumulator.

2011-02-17

20110039658

Hold Function for Temporarily Holding an Operationally Ready Motor Vehicle in a Stationary State - A method is provided for operating a hold function for temporarily holding an operationally ready motor vehicle in a stationary state by use of a service brake. The service brake is actuated by electrohydraulic, electropneumatic or electromechanical mechanisms. The service brake can be activated within the framework of the hold function, when the speed of the vehicle is less than a preset first speed threshold, and the presence of the driver in the driver's seat is detected. The presence of the driver in the driver's seat is detected as a function of the signal of a flap sensor for detecting an opened or closed position of the flap, assigned to this flap sensor.

2011-02-17

20110039659

User-Participating Type Fitness Lecture System and Fitness Training Method Using the Same - The present invention relates to a user-participating type fitness lecture system and a fitness training method using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a user-participating type fitness lecture system that provides direction for correcting a user's posture or motion by comparing the user's motions with user created contents (UCC). When the contents are played back for the user to emulate, correctness of the user's motion is grasped by detecting and comparing motions in the contents with the user's motion photographed through a camera, and providing the user with posture correction information in image or voice formats. In one embodiment, a user-participating type fitness lecture system according to the present invention comprises a user terminal for photographing a user and transmitting a moving image of the user while playing back a UCC selected by the user; and a posture correction server for providing the user terminal with the UCC selected by the user, receiving the moving image from the user terminal, comparing the moving image with the played back UCC, and directing correction of the user's posture in voice or image.

2011-02-17

20110039660

TRAMPOLINE SYSTEM - A fence surrounds a trampoline and extends above the rebounding surface, reducing the risk of injury. Shock absorption is aided by a support system of independent poles. Variable placement net fasteners also are detailed.

2011-02-17

20110039661

ELLIPTICAL EXERCISE APPARATUS - An elliptical exercise apparatus includes a main frame rested on a ground surface, a crank assembly connected to the main frame, left and right tracks pivotally coupled to the main frame, left and right supporting members respectively interconnected between the crank assembly and the left and right tracks, and left and right pedals respectively coupled to the left and right supporting members. The left and right tracks are disposed in a guider frame which is pivotally coupled to a rear portion of the main frame via a pivot axis which is positioned at a height relative to the ground surface. When a user uses the elliptical exercise apparatus, the guider frame is at a use position. When the user folds the elliptical exercise apparatus, the guider frame is at a storage position. A user can complete folding procedure merely by operating the guider frame. Besides, when the guider frame is moved from the use position to the storage position or in reverse order, the left and right supporting members are always connected to the corresponding tracks.

2011-02-17

20110039662

EXERCISE DEVICE WITH VARIED GAIT MOVEMENTS - An exercise device for performing a variety of movement patterns is provided, having an upper link pivotally mounted to a lower leg link and a foot support on a distal end of the lower leg link. A first transfer system is movably coupled to a frame and including a first transfer member coupled to the first upper leg link and a second transfer member coupled to the second upper leg link, thereby enabling substantially reciprocating motion of the first leg link relative to the second leg link. A second transfer system is also provided and may be movably coupled to the frame and including a pair of third transfer members coupled to each of a pair of fourth transfer members by way of each of a pair of transfer couplings, each movably mounted to the frame. The fourth transfer members may be coupled to the first lower leg link and the second lower leg link, whereby movement of the first lower leg link causes movement of the second lower leg link irrespective of movement of the upper leg links thereby providing a stable platform for the user and also enabling an infinite number of gait patters by the user.

2011-02-17

20110039663

Bicycle Tire Boot and Method of Use Thereof on a Trainer - Embodiments comprise a tire boot for installation over a bicycle wheel, typically a rear wheel, and the wheel's associated tire. The tire boot is intended for use in conjunction with an indoor training device wherein the boot includes a wear surface that is relatively resistant to wear when spun in contact with a roller of the training device.

2011-02-17

20110039664

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A HILL TRAINING APPARATUS FOR A BICYCLE TRAINER - Disclosed herein are systems and methods for a hill training apparatus for a bicycle trainer. The systems and methods disclosed herein enable cyclists to simulate hill resistance, incline, decline, and body positioning while riding on a bicycle trainer for improved training purposes.

2011-02-17

20110039665

EXERCISE DEVICE - Aspects of the present invention involve an exercise device configurable to allow a user to perform various exercises. The exercise devices include an adjustable bench assembly connected with a frame supporting adjustable arm and cable-pulley assemblies providing a user interface with a resistance system. In some embodiments of the invention, the adjustable bench assembly includes a bench seat and a pivotal back support supported on an adjustable bench frame. The exercise devices also utilize various configurations of adjustable arm assemblies that are selectively positionable for numerous exercises and to suit a user's particular body size and shape. Other embodiments of the exercise devices include a resistance system with a transmission supporting a plurality of resistance packs. The transmission allows a user to conveniently engage any number of resistance packs to change the resistance level for a particular exercise.

2011-02-17

20110039666

EXERCISE DEVICE - Various device and method embodiments for an exercise device are provided. In one such embodiment, the exercise device includes a trolley. The trolley includes at least one peg connected to the trolley, the at least one peg adapted to make contact with at least a portion of a user's foot. The exercise device also includes a shaft supported in an angled position to accommodate the trolley. The trolley is adapted to be pulled along the shaft towards the user by the at least the portion of the user's foot while the user is in a seated position.

2011-02-17

20110039667

STRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENT FOR STRETCHING EXERCISE APPARATUS - A structural improvement for stretching exercise apparatus comprises a carry handle pivotally connected symmetric long bottom seats, upper surfaces of the long bottom seats having symmetric guiding slots near two long side edges; at least two sets of symmetric casters, disposed to bottom portions of two pedals, for fitting the symmetric guiding slots; and two flexible riggings disposed inside the two long bottom seats. The feature of the apparatus is that a long channel is disposed between the symmetric guiding slots and upper surfaces of the symmetric long bottom seats. A plurality of symmetric positioning circular holes is disposed to two sides of the long channel. A limit seat has four end angles equipped with cylinders. Accordingly, the distance variations generated by the pedal relatively moving within the guiding slot can be changed by regulating the cylinders of the limit seat inserted into the positioning circular holes at different positions.

2011-02-17

20110039668

Core Training Bench - An improved exercise bench for effectively and efficiently training the core portion of the user's body. The core training bench comprises a bench having an upper section and a separate lower section, a frame for supporting the bench above a surface, leg members interconnecting the frame and the bench and pivoting mechanisms interconnecting the leg members and the bench or the frame to allow the sections of the bench to pivot or tilt relative to the leg members. In the preferred embodiment, the upper section is able to pivot independent of the pivoting lower section so the user can place the bench in any one of a plurality of different tilt positions so he or she may selectively exercise different muscle groups at his or her core. The core training bench can include an oblique stand, grip bar, tension cable hooks and/or a removable section for an AB ball.

2011-02-17

20110039669

Balance Therapy System - A balance board including a standing platform connected to a pivot ball. The standing platform provides an area for a subject to stand and can be moved by a set of deflector actuators. The deflector actuators can move the platform in both the lateral and vertical directions. A braking assembly is connected to the ball and the braking assembly increases or decreases rotation resistance to the ball. When resistance is increased to the ball, resistance to rotation for the platform is increased.

2011-02-17

20110039670

Machine Tool with Automatic Tool Changer - A machine tool having an automatic tool changer (ATC). The machine tool includes a gantry, a spindle extending from the gantry, a configurable work area, and an ATC adjacent to a front wall of the machine tool. The ATC includes a rotary tool magazine and a plurality of receptacles oriented radially around the rotary tool magazine configured to hold a plurality of cutting tools having cutting edges. The cutting edges of the cutting tools point radially inwardly around the rotary tool magazine, and the cutting tools are removed directly from the automatic tool changer by the spindle and brought to a part to be machined. A tool sensor may be located between the ATC and the spindle to take measurements of the cutting tool. The ATC includes at least one receptacle configured to hold a cutting tool.

2011-02-17

20110039671

ROLLER STRUCTURE OF A BUSINESS MACHINE - This present invention relates to a roller structure of a business machine, including a roller and a shaft, by which a plurality of intersecting grooves are provided on the friction surface of the roller so as to form a plurality of contact areas simultaneously on the outer surface in the lateral direction along the roller during the whole rotating process, and the shaft, driving the roller, is correspondingly installed through the insertion passage located at the center of its cylindrical structure of the roller, so as to enable feeding and aligning the paper more silently and stably with a better friction force, to accommodate the dirt or paper dust generated, and thus enhancing the life expectancy of the roller parts.

2011-02-17

20110039672

FUNCTIONAL ROLL INCORPORATING A STRUCTURE OF A LATTICE-SHAPED FLUID (GAS-LIQUID) GUIDEPATH - Conventional art has a structure consisting of a roll axis incorporating a structure of fine pores, and a roll unit provided around the outer circumference of a roll axis, wherein internal pressure of the roll axis is dispersed to the roll unit to make a fluid (gas-liquid) suction action, thus reducing the pressure loss and obtaining even distribution of the fluid (gas-liquid). As such, instead of a tubular roll axis, the structure of a roll axis is made fin-shaped or groove-shaped to maximize the action surface area that works on the inner pressure of the roll axis of the roll unit. However, other problems such as inefficiency of the fluid (gas-liquid) suction action and lack of mechanical strength of the roll axis remains. To solve these problems, this invention provides a functional roll incorporating a structure of a lattice-shaped fluid (gas-liquid) guidepath made of high-density porous sheet material to activate the internal pressure of the roll axis, therein the structure of the lattice-shaped fluid (gas-liquid) guidepath, consisting of an internal pressure action space made of a cut-out portion provided on the circumference of the roll axis, and in the axis direction of the roll unit, and an internal pressure branching guidepath made of low-density porous sheet material, or a space communicating with the internal pressure action space, as well, being provided in the radial direction of the roll unit.

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A ROLL OF INTERLEAVED BAGS - In an embodiment of the invention, a cut/weld apparatus is configured to provide optimal and limited tension of bag material even during high-speed operation. The limited tension may contribute to stronger plastic welds. Another embodiment of the invention, which may be used in combination with the first embodiment, provides a roll discharge stage in a bag manufacturing apparatus that includes a retracting spindle and may include a rotating tray. The improved discharge stage requires less floor space than conventional side-discharge manufacturing equipment.

2011-02-17

20110039676

PLASTIC BAG MAKING APPARATUS - Provided is a bag making machine for making a bag with an angled bottom by a system different from the conventional system. Body materials of an upper layer and a lower layer are overlapped with each other and fed in the length direction. Furthermore, a bottom gusset material is fed to the body material of one layer and laid on the outer surface thereof, and one side edge of the bottom gusset material is arranged along one side edge of the body material. After the overlap of body material of the upper and lower layers and the feed of bottom gusset material, the bottom gusset material and the body material of the other layer are bonded at the one side edges thereof and fixed temporarily. As the body material is fed thereafter, the body material of one or the other layer and the bottom gusset material are guided by a guide mechanism of body material and bottom gusset material near one side edge of the body material, and the body material of one or the other layer is bent to combine the bottom gusset material with the body material of both layers. Body portion of a plastic bag is formed of the body material of both layers and the bottom gusset portion of the plastic bag is formed of the bottom gusset material.

2011-02-17

20110039677

Pleated paper towel stack and method - A continuous length of pleated paper towel having a leading end and a trailing end. The continuous length of pleated paper towel including a connection at one of the leading end and trailing end that attaches to another continuous length of pleated paper towel to permit uninterrupted dispensing operation of paper towel.

2011-02-17

20110039678

METHOD FOR BIFOLDING AN ARTICLE AND ARTICLE MADE THEREBY - A method is provided for bifolding articles on a high speed production line on which the articles are moved along a predetermined path. The method includes the use of a vacuum conveyor assembly to engage the leading end portion of an article and transport it in the machine direction, thereby potentially reducing the occurrence of undesirable misalignment of the article end edges during a bifolding process.

2011-02-17

20110039679

Wet cyclone particle collector - A wet cyclone particle collector is disclosed. The wet cyclone particle collector includes a cyclone unit, a liquid delivery unit and a sample collection unit. The cyclone unit draws a gas sample into a cyclone chamber and creates a circular flow of the gas sample inside the cyclone chamber so that particles in the gas sample are separated from said gas sample by centrifugation force. The liquid delivery unit delivers a collection liquid into the cyclone in a non-continuous fashion. The sample collection unit harvests the collection liquid from the cyclone unit. The non-continuous delivery of the collection liquid significantly reduces consumption of collection liquid during operation of the particle collector.

2011-02-17

20110039680

CENTRIFUGAL SEPARATOR - The centrifugal separator comprises a rotatable bowl having a separation chamber defined by a base. The base comprises a first outlet opening defined by a weir at a first level. An outlet chamber communicates with the separation chamber through a first outlet opening. The outlet chamber is connected with an outlet opening, which opens at a second level below the first level into an exterior of the bowl. The outlet chamber outlet opening is provided with an outlet nozzle with an outlet direction opposite the direction of rotation, and an overflow inlet opening is present in the outlet chamber, and is placed at a third level between the first and the second level. The overflow inlet opening communicates with an overflow outlet opening, that opens into the exterior of the bowl.

METHOD FOR SYNTHESIZING ONE-DIMENSIONAL HELICAL NANOPOROUS STRUCTURES AND METHOD FOR SYNTHESIZING GLYCINE-DERIVED SURFACTANT FOR SYNTHESIZING HELICAL NANOPOROUS STRUCTURES - Disclosed herein are a method for synthesizing one-dimensional helical mesoporous structure, in which a self-assembled structure of a glycine-derived surfactant is used as a template at room temperature to synthesize the one-dimensional helical mesoporous silica structures having a uniform pore size and a method for synthesizing a glycine-derived surfactant for synthesizing the helical nanoporous structures, in which relatively expensive surfactant can be easily recovered using an organic solvent and reused, which provides economical and environment friendly effects and the glycine-derived surfactant is synthesized by homogeneously heating a reaction product of glycine and phthalic anhydride by dielectric heating with irradiation of microwave, whereby it is possible to realize high yield of the glycine-derived surfactant, shortened synthesis time and increase in energy efficiency, leading to improvement in productivity and reduction in production cost.

CATALYST FOR RECOVERING LIGHT OIL AND PREPARATION METHOD THEREOF - Disclosed herein are a novel catalyst for recovering good-quality light oil from materials such as woody hydrocarbons, woody plastics and waste oils, and a preparation method thereof. The catalyst has a three-dimensional network structure and a cubic crystal structure sharing oxygen atoms, and has a Si/Al ratio greater than 1, and includes an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal and a water molecule of crystallization. The catalyst enables good-quality light oil to be recovered from waste plastics, woody hydrocarbons and waste oils and is highly advantageous in terms of environmental problems.

SHAPED CATALYST BODY - The present invention relates to a shaped catalyst body comprising a core and a first catalytically active layer arranged on sections of the core, characterized in that the total density of the core is greater than the total density of the catalytically active layer. The invention further relates to the use of said shaped catalyst body as an oxidation catalyst in the cleaning of exhaust gases or for reducing and decomposing nitrogen oxides and nitrous oxide.

2011-02-17

20110039690

Porous substrates, articles, systems and compositions comprising nanofibers and methods of their use and production - Porous and/or curved nanofiber bearing substrate materials are provided having enhanced surface area for a variety of applications including as electrical substrates, semipermeable membranes and barriers, structural lattices for tissue culturing and for composite materials, production of long unbranched nanofibers, and the like. A method of producing nanofibers is disclosed including providing a plurality of microparticles or nanoparticles such as carbon black particles having a catalyst material deposited thereon, and synthesizing a plurality of nanofibers from the catalyst material on the microparticles or nanoparticles. Compositions including carbon black particles having nanowires deposited thereon are further disclosed.

2011-02-17

20110039691

CATALYST SUPPORT AND METHOD OF PRODUCING SAME - An object of the present invention is to provide a catalyst support which can maintain the purifying ability of HC, CO and NO even after being exposed to a high temperature atmosphere such as about 1000° C. for a long term and a method which can easily produce the catalyst support. According to the present invention there is provided a method for producing a catalyst support of porous alumina formed with pores within which magneto-plumbite type complex oxide ((La.M) Al

2011-02-17

20110039692

Nanocomposite Support Materials - The present teachings are directed toward hexagonally patterned porous titania synthesized from a titanium isopropoxide precursor using a viscous template of surface-active agents separating nanoscopic bicontinuous channels of water and isooctane. Subsequent catalyst metal salt reduction in the aqueous nanochannels deposits well-separated catalyst metal nanoparticles on the pore surfaces. These nanocomposites exhibit significantly higher carbon monoxide oxidation efficiency than that obtained with known supports with higher specific surface area; efficiency is believed to be due to decreased mass transfer resistance provided the presently disclosed support material.

ANTI-MICROBIAL ADDITIVE FOR USE IN FLOWER VASE WATER - The present invention relates to anti-microbial compositions that may advantageously be added to vase water of cut flowers in order to prevent microbial growth, especially in vase water containing added cut flower nutrients and/or water uptake stimulants. One aspect of the invention relates to the use of an EC 1.1.3 oxidoreductase as an antimicrobial additive for vase water of cut flowers. Another aspect of the invention concerns a method of putting cut flowers into vase water, said method comprising immersing the stems of one or more cut flowers into vase water and adding an antimicrobial composition containing an EC 1.1.3 oxidoreductase to the vase water before, after or at the same time as the cut flowers are immersed into the vase water

ALUMINUM SILICATE-FREE, HIGHLY CONCENTRATED SUSPENSION CONCENTRATES OF METRIBUZIN - The invention relates to aqueous, aluminum silicate-free, highly concentrated suspension concentrates, containing the active substance metribuzin, one or more surfactants based on nonionic polymers from the ‘acrylic grafted polymers’ group, one or more thickeners based on anionic heteropolysaccharides from the xanthan gum group, one or more wetting agents and optionally other components such as antifoaming agents, antifreeze agents and preservatives and other surfactants differing from the aforesaid components.

2011-02-17

20110039705

GRANULAR AGROCHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND METHOD OF PRODUCING THE SAME - A method of producing a granular agrochemical composition having excellent handling properties, wherein a powdered agrochemical wettable composition or powdered agrochemical water-soluble composition is converted in form to a granular agrochemical composition, without altering the formulation thereof. The method of producing a granular agrochemical composition includes: treating a powdered agrochemical wettable composition or powdered agrochemical water-soluble composition by (1) a step of adding water, kneading, extruding and drying, (2) a step of adding water, granulating by stirring and drying, (3) a step of adding water, kneading and spray-drying, (4) a step of adding water and performing fluidized bed granulation, or (5) a step of pressure molding the powdered agrochemical wettable composition or powdered agrochemical water-soluble composition; followed by (a) a step of performing microgranulation by grinding, and if necessary, (b) a step of performing grain size regulation by sieving.

MOLECULAR CLASSIFIER FOR PROGNOSIS IN MULTIPLE MYELOMA - The invention relates to a 15-gene molecular classifier consisting of the following genes: CNDP2; STMN1; AFG3L2; STK38; PARP1; CPSF6; LOC151162; C20orf100; FRY; FLJ21438; MGST1; ALDH2; CTSF; ATF4; FAM49A. The level of expression of these genes in bone marrow plasma cells of patients with multiple myeloma is a useful marker for evaluating their probability of survival.

2011-02-17

20110039709

APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL - The invention relates to an apparatus for purification, respectively processing and/or analysis of biological target molecules with a detection device for detecting at least one object, which includes at least one detection area, wherein the detection device is adapted to detect at least one height value of the detection area and is adapted to determine, from the at least one height value, a spatial position and/or orientation and/or a type and/or a presence and/or a number and/or a state of the at least one object. Further, the invention relates to a receiving device for receiving material for the processing, purification and/or analysis of biological target molecules with at least one identification element, wherein the at least one identification element defines a height profile for identifying the receiving device, wherein the height profile is provided for at least one height measurement and extends at least in sections along a line, preferably a straight line. Finally, the invention relates to a method for inventorying, position determining and/or orientation determining of objects, which are needed for the automatic processing of a material, which contains biological target molecules, on a corresponding apparatus, in which at least one height value of a detection area of the respective object is detected, and, from the height value, a spatial position and/or an orientation and/or a type and/or a presence and/or a number and/or a state of the respective object is determined on the apparatus.

2011-02-17

20110039710

APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR APPLICATIONS OF GENOMIC MICROARRAYS IN SCREENING, SURVEILLANCE AND DIAGNOSTICS - This disclosure describes combinations of apparatus and methods to comprise a system for broad use and effective application of analytical genomic microarrays for screening and surveillance. The methodology abandons reliance on typical volumes of peripheral blood samples obtained by phlebotomy, in preference for protocols enabling collection, stabilization, archive, extraction and purification of small volumes as obtained from a finger prick. Recommended processing protocols from such starting material favor preparation of sufficient quantities of RNA or DNA of sufficient quality for subsequent steps of targeted amplification and fluorescent labeling. A strategy is offered for effective integration of capabilities for genotype and phenotype analysis on the same microarray layout. These gene expression re-sequencing arrays (GXR) are well suited for screening and surveillance applications.

PREPARATION OF LIQUID MIXTURES - A method of determining the relative component proportions of at least one each of: a buffer; an acid or a base; a solvent; and optionally a salt, for providing a liquid mixture of pre-defined pH and ionic strength, wherein the relative component proportions are determined using the equation of Debye-Hückel, wherein the ion size parameter a in the Debye-Hückel equation is determined as the weighted mean ion size of all species contributing to the ionic strength of the liquid mixture, and wherein the ionic strength of each species is used as weighting parameter. The present method is also applicable in a method of providing a liquid mixture. Further there is provided a buffer preparation device.

2011-02-17

20110039713

POLYMORPHISMS IN THE FCGR2B PROMOTER AND USES THEREOF - The invention relates to the FCGR2B gene and its promoter. In particular, the invention relates to FCGR2B promoters with specific nucleotides at polymorphic sites. Characterization of the nucleotides at polymorphic sites is useful for characterizing the gene and the protein and is useful for determining predisposition or susceptibility to certain diseases and infections in a subject or a population of subjects. Such characterization of the gene or protein is also useful for determining immunoresponsiveness or responsiveness to therapeutic agents in a subject or population of subjects. Thus, disclosed herein are a variety of related nucleic acids, methods and tools.

2011-02-17

20110039714

Probes, Systems, and Methods for Drug Discovery - Aspects of the present invention include probes, methods, systems that have stand alone utility and may comprise features of a drug discovery system or method. The present invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions.

2011-02-17

20110039715

INFLUENZA B VIRUS DETECTION METHOD AND KIT THEREFOR - The invention provides oligonucleotide(s) for simple, specific and/or sensitive test(s) for the presence of Influenza virus. In particular, the present invention provides oligonucleotide(s) for test(s) for the Influenza B virus. Kit(s) comprising the oligonucleotide(s) for use as probe(s) and/or primer(s) useful in the test(s) are also provided.

2011-02-17

20110039716

Analysis of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Using a Nicking Endonuclease - A method of genome analysis is provided. In certain embodiments, the method comprises: a) contacting a double-stranded genomic DNA with a site-specific nicking endonuclease that recognizes a sequence comprising a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), in which the endonuclease nicks the genomic DNA at a nick site only if a first allele of the SNP is present; b) denaturing the genomic sample; c) contacting the denatured genomic sample with an array comprising a first probe and a second probe, in which nicking results in less binding of the denatured sample to the first probe relative to a sample that is not nicked; and d) comparing the amount of hybridization to the first probe to the amount of hybridization to said second probe, in which decreased binding of the denatured genomic samples to the first probe relative to the second probe indicates that the first allele of the SNP is present.

2011-02-17

20110039717

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING AND/OR SORTING TARGETS - Provided herein are methods and systems for detecting and/or sorting targets in a sample based on the combined use of polynucleotide-encoded protein and substrate polynucleotides. The polynucleotide-encoded protein is comprised of a protein that specifically binds to a predetermined target and of an encoding polynucleotide that specifically binds to a substrate polynucleotide, wherein the substrate polynucleotide is attached to a substrate.

METHODS AND NUCLEIC ACIDS FOR THE ANALYSES OF CELLULAR PROLIFERATIVE DISORDERS - The invention provides methods, nucleic acids and kits for detecting, or for detecting and distinguishing between or among liver cell proliferative disorders or for detecting, or for detecting and distinguishing between or among colorectal cell proliferative disorders. The invention discloses genomic sequences the methylation patterns of which have utility for the improved detection of and differentiation between said class of disorders, thereby enabling the improved diagnosis and treatment of patients.

2011-02-17

20110039720

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PARALLEL QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF MULTIPLE NUCLEIC ACIDS - The present invention relates to a process for conducting real-time PCR, and to a device for conducting the method of the present invention. The invention is especially suited for the simultaneous identification and quantification of nucleic acids present in a sample, e.g. a biological sample. Further, this invention describes a method for simultaneous quantitative analysis of multiple nucleic acid sequences in a single compartment by using an integrated nucleic acid microarray combined with a highly surface-specific readout device. The invention relates to a device wherein a surface which is either part of the chamber surface or a surface that is created in the reaction chamber, such as bead surface, is coated with capture probes and in the same chamber, a PCR reaction takes place.

2011-02-17

20110039721

METHOD FOR PREDICTION ABOUT CARCINOGENICITY OF SUBSTANCE IN RODENT - Disclosed is a method for predicting about the carcinogenicity of a substance of interest in a rodent, which comprises the steps of: administering a solution of the substance to a test group and administering a solvent used in the solution to a control group; extracting mRNA from each of the test group and the control group, and measuring the expression level of mRNA for each of genes obtained by selecting at least one gene from (A) genes each comprising a nucleotide sequence depicted in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 5, (B) genes each comprising a nucleotide sequence depicted in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 6 to 8 and (C) genes each comprising a nucleotide sequence depicted in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 9 to 32; determining whether or not a significant difference in the level of mRNA expressed from the gene is observed between the test group and the control group; and determining that the substance has carcinogenicity when a significant difference in the level of the expression of mRNA from any one of the genes is observed between the test group and the control group and the direction of increase or decrease in the level of the expression of mRNA from any one of the genes is the same as the tendency which is previously defined for each gene.

2011-02-17

20110039722

LIBRARIES, ARRAYS AND THEIR USES FOR TARGETED AFFINITY ENHANCEMENT - The present disclosure relates to methods and materials for enhancing the binding affinity of an antibody by means of generating a library or an array of targeted amino acid changes (e.g., mutations) at one or more positions in an antibody variable domain. The present disclosure relates to libraries or arrays and their uses for enhancing antibody affinity. The present disclosure relates to methods and materials for mutagenesis, including for the generation of novel or improved antibody variable domains and libraries or arrays of mutant antibody variable domains or nucleic acids encoding such mutant or modified variable domains.

2011-02-17

20110039723

MALIGNANCY-RISK SIGNATURE FROM HISTOLOGICALLY NORMAL BREAST TISSUE - The invention provides for malignancy-risk gene signatures that predict the risk of developing breast cancer, the recurrence of breast cancer, and/or the metastasis of breast cancer. These signatures have numerous clinical applications including assessing risk of breast cancer development following routine breast biopsy, assessing the need for adjuvant radiotherapy after lumpectomy, and determining the need for completion mastectomy following lumpectomy for the breast cancer patient and other treatment plans that are personalized for the patient.

2011-02-17

20110039724

METHOD FOR DETECTING CHROMOSOMAL ANEUPLOIDY - The present invention relates to a new, non-invasive method for detecting chromosomal aneuploidy by analyzing a sample from a pregnant woman. The detection is based on the ratio between the amount of a fetal methylation marker located on a chromosome relevant to the aneuploidy and the amount of a fetal genetic marker located on a reference chromosome, offering improved accuracy.

2011-02-17

20110039725

DYNAMIC ARRAY ASSAY METHODS - High throughput methods are used that combine the features of using a matrix-type microfluidic device, labeled nucleic acid probes, and homogenous assays to detect and/or quantify nucleic acid analytes. The high throughput methods are capable of detecting nucleic acid analyes with high PCR and probe specificity, producing a low fluorescence background and therefore, a high signal to noise ratio. Additionally, the high throughput methods are capable of detecting low copy number nucleic acid analyte per cell.

GLYCOSYLATED PROTEIN EXPRESSION IN PROKARYOTES - The present invention relates to a prokaryotic host cell comprising eukaryotic glycosyltransferase activity, where the eukaryotic glycosyltransferase activity is eukaryotic dolichyl-linked UDP-GlcNAc transferase activity and eukaryotic mannosyl-transferase activity. Also disclosed is a method of producing a glycosylated protein by providing a prokaryotic host cell comprising the eukaryotic glycosyltransferase activity and culturing the prokaryotic host cell under conditions effective to produce a glycosylated protein. Another aspect of the present invention pertains to a method for screening bacteria or bacteriophages by expressing one or more glycans on the surface of a bacteria, attaching a label on the one or more glycans on the surface of the bacteria or on the surface of a bacteriophage derived from the bacteria, and analyzing the label in a high-throughput format. A glycosylated antibody comprising an Fv portion which recognizes and binds to a native antigen and an Fc portion which is glycosylated at a conserved asparagine residue is also disclosed.

2011-02-17

20110039730

NANOSCALE OPTOFLUIDIC DEVICES FOR MOLECULAR DETECTION - An optofluidic architecture for label free, highly parallel, detection of molecular interactions is based on the use of optically resonant devices whose resonant wavelength is shifted due to a local change in refractive index caused by a positive binding event between a surface bound molecule and its solution phase target. These devices have an extremely low limit of detection and are compatible with aqueous environments. The device combines the sensitivity (limit of detection) of nanosensor technology with the parallelity of the microarray type format.

2011-02-17

20110039731

Enhanced Sequencing by Hybridization Using Pools of Probes - The invention provides methods for sequencing by hybridization (SBH) using pools of probes that allow greater efficiency in conducting SBH by reducing the number of separate measurements of hybridization signals required to identify each particular nucleotide in a target nucleic acid sequence. The invention also provides pools and set of pools of probes, as well as method of generating pools of probes.

2011-02-17

20110039732

cDNA Synthesis Using Non-Random Primers - The present invention provides methods for selectively amplifying a target population of nucleic acid molecules in a population of RNA template molecules (e.g., all mRNA molecules expressed in a cell type except for the most highly expressed mRNA species). The present invention also provides a first population of oligonucleotides including the nucleic acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS:1-749 and a second population of oligonucleotides including the nucleic acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS:750-1498. The first population of oligonucleotides can be used, for example, to prime the synthesis of first strand cDNA molecules complementary to mRNA molecules isolated from mammalian cells without priming the synthesis of cDNA molecules complementary to ribosomal RNA molecules. The second population of oligonucleotides can be used, for example, to prime the second strand synthesis of primer extension products (first strand cDNA) complementary to mRNA molecules isolated from mammalian cells without priming the second strand synthesis of primer extension products synthesized from ribosomal RNA molecules.

2011-02-17

20110039733

PROBE, PROBE SET, PROBE CARRIER, AND TESTING METHOD - A probe, a set of probes, and a probe carrier on which the probe or the set of probes is immobilized, are provided for classification of fungus species. The probe or the set of probes is capable of collectively detecting fungus of the same species and distinguishingly detecting those fungus from fungus of other species. The probe is an oligonucleotide probe for detecting a pathogenic fungus DNA and includes at least one of base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 1 to 2 and mutated sequences thereof.